Vermona Retroverb Lancet Owner's manual

Brand: Vermona

Model: Retroverb Lancet

Type: Owner's manual

Vermona Retroverb Lancet is an analog multi-effects processor that combines a spring reverb with overdrive, filtering, VCA, envelope, and LFO. It can create various sounds like Auto-Wah, Tremolo, Distortion, Delay, Gater, and of course Reverb.

With its overdrive section, you can add warmth and saturation to your sound. The multimode filter allows you to shape the frequency response of the signal, while the VCA controls the volume. The LFO and envelope generator can modulate various parameters to create dynamic and evolving sounds.

Here are some possible use cases for the Vermona Retroverb Lancet:

2ZQHU¶V0DQXDO

Introduction

Today's digital e!ects and plug-ins can create almost perfect room simula-

tions. However, when it comes to characteristic and charismatic reverb,

analogue e!ect-processors are yet to beat. The reverberating sound of a

spring is so lively and unique that its sound is almost impossible to recreate

in the digital domain. In addition to this, Retroverb Lancet is not just a

spring reverberation system – it is an analogue multi-e!ects-processor. It

o!ers overdrive, ﬁltering, VCA, envelope and LFO to manipulate the spring

sound and create di!erent sounds like Auto-Wah, Tremolo, Distortion,

Delay, Gater and of course Reverb. It is far from perfection but sonically

unmatched.

Enjoy your Retroverb Lancet!

The VERMONA team

Important Safety Information

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions. Alway include these instructions when passing

the product on to third parties.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Only clean the product when it is not connected to the mains power

supply. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type

plug. A polarized plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.

The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the

provided plug does not ﬁt into your outlet, consult an electrician for

replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly

at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from

the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table speciﬁed by the

manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 2 -

caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury

from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for

long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel.Servicing is required

when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power

supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects

have fallen into the apparatus, when the apparatus has been exposed

to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains,

disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.

16. WARNING: To reduce the risk of ﬁre or electric shock, do not expose

this apparatus to rain or moisture.

17. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure

that no objects ﬁlled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the

equipment.

18. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessi-

ble.

Installation

• Ensure that the room in which you use this product is wired in accordance

with the local electrical code and checked by a qualiﬁed inspector.

• Only use this product indoors.

• Do not install the product in hot, humid, or excessively dusty locations, in

direct sunlight or in locations where it is exposed to externally generated

vibrations.

• Do not place burning objects (e.g. candles) on top of or near the product.

• If condensation has formed on the product, e.g. because it was moved

from a cold environment to a warm one, allow the product to acclimatize

to room temperature before using it.

• Do not overload wall outlets and extension cables as this may result in

ﬁre and electric shock.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 3 -

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 2..........................................................................................

2 Important Safety Information 2.................................................................

3 Table of Contents 4..................................................................................

4 Getting Started 5......................................................................................

4.1. Connections and Powering 5................................................................

5 Components and Controls 6.....................................................................

5.1. Input Section (IN) 6...............................................................................

5.2. Output Section (OUT) 7........................................................................

5.3. The Spring Reverb 9.............................................................................

5.4. Filter (VCF) 11......................................................................................

5.5. Ampliﬁer (VCA) 15...............................................................................

5.6. Modulation 16......................................................................................

5.6.1. Modulation Generator (LFO) 16..........................................................

5.6.2. Envelope Generator (EG) 17...............................................................

5.6.3. Envelope Follower (EF) 18..................................................................

5.6.4. Pedal/CV-Input 18............................................................................

5.7. Further Control Elements 19.................................................................

5.8. Connectors 20......................................................................................

6 Technical Data 21....................................................................................

7 Declaration of Conformity 23...................................................................

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 4 -

Getting Started

To ensure top quality we carefully checked Retroverb Lancet before packag-

ing. Nevertheless, the unit could have been damaged during transportation.

Therefore, we ask you to take a serious look at the unit when unpacking it.

Do not hesitate to contact us, should there be anything unusual on Retro-

verb Lancet itself or its packaging.

You should ﬁnd the following items in the box:

• 1 Retroverb Lancet unit

• 1 AC adapter (12V / at least 830mA)

• this manual

Connections and Powering

If you came here without any problems, you can ﬁnally start up your Retro-

verb Lancet:

1. Connect the provided power supply unit to the 12VAC jack on Retro-

verb Lancet

ATTENTION Only use the included power supply! You may already

own a suitable-looking power supply that o!ers the

same connector. However, Retroverb Lancet requires

an AC adapter, not DC! Using an unsuitable power

supply may cause damage to the unit.

2. Connect the INPUT jack of Retroverb Lancet to an appropriate audio

source such as a drum-computer, a groove-box, a synthesizer, a gui-

tar or CD-player.

3. Connect the OUTPUT jack of Retroverb Lancet to an appropriate audio

input of a mixing console, an audio-interface or an ampliﬁer.

4. Start Retroverb Lancet by switching on OVERKILL on the unit’s rear.

The corresponding green LED will be lit.

5. Congratulations, Retroverb Lancet has been started.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 5 -

Components and Controls

Retroverb Lancet is an analogue e!ects processor. Beside its main sound

shaping element - the spring reverb - it o!ers powerful functions such as

multimode-ﬁltering, overdrive, VCA, LFO and an envelope generator. This

section will take a closer look to the di!erent sections of Retroverb Lancet

and their correspondent control elements.

Input Section (IN)

This section controls the input sensitivity and a possible analogue overdrive

of the circuit. The amount of possible distortion in Retroverb Lancet ranges

from light saturation to hefty distortion.

The available control elements are:

Picture 1: Input Section

GAIN

Use this control to set the input sensitivity. A corresponding LED will

indicate overloads. Set the control in a way that the LED only lights up

during signal peaks. Retroverb Lancet has a large GAIN range that allows

line- as well as instrument-level-signals to be connected and ade-

quately preampliﬁed. Do not worry if the clip-LED already lights up in

the gain control's ﬁrst half when using line-level-signals. Using higher

GAIN settings will allow you to distort the input, which will result in a

noticeable increase of volume.

Retroverb Lancet's input was designed to handle high-impedance sig-

nals of instrument pickups, too. There is no need to use a DI-box here.

Instead, you may connect your guitar, bass or clavinet directly.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 6 -

ATTENTION Using too little preampliﬁcation will decrease the signal

to noise ratio. In addition, trigger sensitivity (see "Enve-

lope Generator (EG)", page 17) as well as the envelope-

follower directly depend on the input level setting. Che-

cking for best possible levels is essential for best

results from your Retroverb Lancet.

DRIVE

This control adjusts the amount of distortion applied to the input signal.

Note that DRIVE will take e!ect on the processed as well as on the dry

signal. With MIX turned fully counterclockwise, the signal can still be

distorted if needed. The distortion can be disabled by switching BYPASS

on. In contrary to distortion achieved with the GAIN control, DRIVE will

not signiﬁcantly raise the level when increasing the amount of drive.

Output Section (OUT)

The output section o!ers the following control elements:

Picture 2: Output Section

MIX

This control adjusts the ratio between direct and processed signal. MIX

changes its function depending on the selected routing of the spring

within the signal chain (see "The Spring Reverb", page 9).

With SPRING set to OFF or PRE, MIX blends between the input section

including overdrive (left) and the signal processed with reverb, ﬁlter and

VCA (right).

With SPRING switched to POST, MIX blends between the reverberated

signal (left) and the signal processed by ﬁlter and VCA (right).

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 7 -

VOLUME

This control sets the output level of Retroverb Lancet.

BYPASS

Set this switch to the lower position (the red LED lights up) to disable all

sections of Retroverb Lancet. The unit o!ers a true bypass meaning that

the complete signal path including the input preampliﬁcation stage is

disabled. The input signal is passed directly to the output after the input

stage. With the switch set to the upper position, all sections are active.

BYPASS-Input

This TRS-jack allows connecting a single- or double footswitch to

remote-control the bypass function. Using a double footswitch allows

you to either switch the unit to bypass or to disable the spring reverb

section only.

To use the double footswitch function, the footswitch needs to be

equipped with a TRS-jack. The spring bypass uses the ring contact,

while the total bypass uses the tip contact. Connecting a TS-jack allows

switching the global bypass function only.

tip

ring

Effect Stop

True Bypass

Picture 3: Connecting a Bypass Switch

NOTE Since this function is a switch, it does not matter whe-

ther you use a footswitch conﬁgured as being normally

closed or normally open. However, if the footswitch has

a corresponding LED, normally open conﬁgured swit-

ches will work as expected while normally closed conﬁ-

gurations will display the status reversed.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 8 -

The Spring Reverb

The spring reverberation system creates an artiﬁcial reverb sound using

electro-mechanical techniques. Its sound is metallic and di!ers signiﬁcantly

from today's modern, digital solutions. It may sound artiﬁcial but owns a lot

of character. Spring reverb is a preferred choice of guitarists and organ

keyboarders until today but is also often found in electronic and dub

productions.

TONE

TONE controls the sound character of the reverberation

e!ect. The control is designed in a way that the bass and

treble content is adjusted thru a single potentiometer.

Turning TONE counterclockwise from center will enhance

the low frequencies with higher frequencies being atten-

uated. Turning clockwise from center will work vice

versa.

TONE is e"cient when using low frequency intense

source signals. The high energetic bass content can sti-

mulate the spring heavily leading to smeared results of

the e!ect. Here, attenuation of the low frequency content

thru TONE will lead to a more focused sound image.

Picture 4: Spring Section

SPRING

Using the SPRING switch, the spring can be placed at two di!erent posi-

tions of the signal path.

With the switch set to POST, the spring is placed after the ﬁlter and the

VCA. Here, the signal is processed by the ﬁlter and the VCA before it

reaches the reverberation stage. This signal will then reach the output

stage in parallel to the ﬁlter/VCA section. The MIX control allows bal-

ancing the signal between the ﬁlter/VCA signal and the reverb output.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 9 -

Picture 5: Spring POST Mode

With the switch set to PRE, the spring is placed before the ﬁlter and the

VCA. Here, the source signal will be processed by the reverb section ﬁrst

before it reaches the ﬁlter/VCA stages. This mode allows shaping of the

reverb tail. In contrary to common spring reverb units, this conﬁguration

has control over the decay time through the VCA envelope.

Picture 6: Spring PRE Mode

CRASH

It was and still is popular amongst guitarists to kick their amp and rattle

the built in spring reverb this way. Because the spring is installed inside

a shielding metal tray, the kick causes the spring to hit the tray's walls.

This results in a distinctive crash sound.

With Retroverb Lancet, there's no need to kick your gear. Simply press

the CRASH button with the same result. But, use CRASH with care. The

e!ect is exceptionally loud and can may lead to overloads of your A/D-

converters.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 10 -

NOTE Slight knocking on Retroverb Lancet's enclosure or

vibrations nearby may also stimulate the spring, but

unlike the intense CRASH function. If this is undesira-

ble, place Retroverb Lancet on a stable base.

CRASH-Input

This jack allows connecting a gate signal with 5 volts (minimum) and

positive slope. These signals are widely available from analogue

sequencers, modular synthesizer systems as well as from LFOs using

square waveforms. Use this input to trigger the CRASH function at exact

rhythmical positions.

Filter (VCF)

Retroverb Lancet's multimode ﬁlter allows shaping the reverberated signal.

However, the unit may also be used as a fully functional ﬁlter box without

the reverb e!ect. The ﬁlter can be conﬁgured as low pass, high pass and

band pass. Each type will suppress certain frequencies that will result in

speciﬁc sound coloring. Let us start with a short explanation of the avail-

able ﬁlter types:

Low pass

The low pass will only let the low frequencies of the input signal pass. CUT-

OFF sets the frequency where the attenuation starts. The lower CUTOFF is

set, the more high frequencies will be suppressed, resulting in a sound

more mu#ed.

A slowly opening low pass ﬁlter is a characteristic element of countless

House- and Dance-tracks. Its rising e!ect will accentuate intros, breaks and

build-ups.

High pass

The high pass ﬁlter is the exact opposite of the low pass ﬁlter. It will only

let high frequencies of the input signal pass. CUTOFF sets the frequency

where the attenuation starts. The higher CUTOFF is set, the more low fre-

quencies will be suppressed and the sound will lose bass. The high pass ﬁl-

ter is well suited for mash-up-mixing. It allows removing/attenuating bass

drums and basslines from a track that is to be mixed with a second track.

Ideally, the second track is run through a separate low pass ﬁlter at the

same time.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 11 -

Band pass

The band pass ﬁlter is a combination of a low pass- and high pass ﬁlter. It

will only let a certain frequency band of the input signal pass. CUTOFF sets

the center frequency for that frequency band. By moving CUTOFF, you set

the pass band for the mid frequencies. The band pass o!ers a slope less

steep than that of the other ﬁlter types. Its e"ciency is a little less

distinctive.

The ﬁlter section o!ers the following control elements:

Picture 7: Filter Section

MODE

MODE selects the ﬁlter type.

LP = Low pass Low pass ﬁlter with a slope of 24dB per octave

BP = Band pass Band pass ﬁlter with a slope of 12dB per octave

HP = High pass High pass ﬁlter with a slope of 24dB per octave

BALLS

BALLS will emphasize low and higher frequencies in a predeﬁned ratio.

The resulting signal will cut through the mix with increased punch and

bass amount. The high frequency enhancement will be best accentuated

with higher RESONANCE settings.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 12 -

ATTENTION The ampliﬁcation using BALLS will not necessarily be

perceived as increased level. However, the lower fre-

quencies are emphasized. This can lead to clipping of

sensitive inputs in audio-interfaces. Make sure, you

match Retroverb Lancet's output level or the input sen-

sitivity (Gain) or your audio-interface to avoid distorti-

on.

CUTOFF

This control manually sets the ﬁlter’s cuto!-frequency. This is the fre-

quency from which the audio signal is manipulated (ﬁltered) with the ﬁl-

ter's slope. In low pass mode (MODE LP) the ﬁlter is fully opened with

CUTOFF turned fully clockwise, closed when turned fully counterclock-

wise. In high pass mode (MODE HP), the principle of operation works

oppositely. When using the ﬁlter in band pass mode (MODE BP), there is

no fully opened ﬁlter. Here, speciﬁc frequencies are always suppressed.

CUTOFF has a larger control knob intentionally. It is one of the most

important functions of Retroverb Lancet and turning this knob should be

fun!

RESONANCE

Resonance is a feedback circuit within the ﬁlter that emphasizes the

CUTOFF frequency. Lower values will slightly color the sound, higher

values more signiﬁcantly. With higher values, the ﬁlter will also start to

self-oscillate, generating a sine wave at the CUTOFF frequency.

NOTE Resonance in Retroverb Lancet will easily reach self-

oscillation and produce a constant sine-wave-like tone.

It is recommended, not to set the VCA to ON but pre-

ferably use it through the envelope-generator (EG) or

the envelope-follower (EF).

Self-oscillation of the ﬁlter will reach a high volume within the last third

of the control. Typically, you would avoid these levels by not turning up

the control that far. The prominent resonance frequency will also be

audible at lower settings. However, the maximum level-settings are

useful when mixing the original with a little portion of the ﬁltered signal

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 13 -

through the MIX control. Here, the distinctive self-oscillation will also be

heard at tiny mix amounts.

INT

The INT control sets the intensity of the CUTOFF frequency being con-

trolled by a modulation source. The MOD SRC switch (Modulation

Source) selects this source. The INT control works bipolar. Turning

clockwise from the center position results in upwards CUTOFF modula-

tion while turning left from center results in downwards modulation. In

its center position, CUTOFF modulation is deactivated.

MOD SRC

The MOD SRC switch selects the modulation source for the CUTOFF fre-

quency. There are three possible sources:

EG Envelope Generator - see section 5.2.

CV external signal connected to the pedal/CV-input

EF Envelope Follower, a control signal deriving from the level at the

audio input

NOTE Combing an envelope-follower with rhythmic audio-

signals such as drum loops is quite useful. Another

useful application is using a guitar with the Retroverb

Lancet set to band pass ﬁltering with audible reso-

nance. An envelope-follower will create a sound that

resembles of the typical Autowah-e!ect.

LFO INT

This control sets the LFO's modulation intensity towards the CUTOFF-

frequency. The ﬁlter's frequency will be modulated periodically accord-

ing to the selected LFO's waveform and its speed.

VCF

This switch will enable or disable the complete ﬁlter section, leaving the

setting of the in- and output section, the spring, the VCA and the mod-

ulations untouched.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 14 -

Amplifier (VCA)

A voltage-controlled-ampliﬁer (VCA) controls Retroverb Lancet’s output. It

o!ers the following control elements:

Picture 8: VCA Section

LFO INT

This control sets the LFO's modulation intensity towards the output

volume. The result is a tremolo-e!ect.

MOD SRC

This switch sets the modulation source for the VCA. There are three

positions:

CV external signal connected to the pedal/CV-input

EF Envelope Follower, a control signal deriving from the level at the

input

EG Envelope Generator - see "Envelope Generator (EG)", page 17

MOD

This switch enables or disables the modulation via the selected modula-

tion source. If it is set to OFF the VCA is opened permanently.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 15 -

Modulation

Modulation Generator (LFO)

The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) is an oscillator specialized on slow fre-

quencies that are used to create cyclic repeating modulations. Its frequency

is variable, ranging from 0.05Hz to 300Hz, being divided in two switchable

ranges. The LFO allows modulating the VCF and/or VCA, each with individ-

ually adjustable intensity. The available control elements are:

Picture 9: LFO Section

RANGE

The range switch selects the LFO's frequency range:

LO/TR low frequencies (0.05Hz-25Hz) with retrigger. Incoming trig-

ger-signals will restart the waveform (depending on the TRIG

SRC setting in the EG section). Using suited trigger settings

allow synchronizing the LFO to an external tempo. It may also

act as a simple envelope using rhythmical trigger signals with

a suited waveform selected.

LO lower frequency range (0.05Hz-25 Hz), free oscillating LFO.

HI higher frequency range (1Hz-300Hz), free oscillating LFO.

SPEED

This control sets the LFO speed (frequency). The available range

depends on the RANGE-setting.

WAVE

This switch selects the LFO waveform. Choices are ascending saw tooth,

descending saw tooth, rectangle, sine, Sample & Hold (random).

A distinctive feature is the waveform EG. It derives from the envelope

modulator. Use ATTACK and DECAY to shape the waveform freely. With

ATTACK set to zero and DECAY at a higher value, you will receive a

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 16 -

descending saw tooth. A triangle results from identically raised ATTACK

and DECAY values. Since the envelope controls use logarithmic scaling,

the resulting EG waveforms will di!er slightly from the linear preset LFO

waveforms.

Envelope Generator (EG)

Retroverb Lancet’s envelope generator (EG) generates a variety of envelope

shapes depending on the trigger source used. It will work as an Attack/

Decay envelope when using triggers from the audio input or the TRIGGER

IN. It will work in three phases (Attack, Sustain, Release) when using gate

input signals at TRIGGER IN. The sustain period cannot be adjusted in

Retroverb Lancet. It is dependent on the duration of the incoming gate sig-

nal. The release phase will follow once the gate signal has been ended. To

select between audio- or gate-trigger, use the TRG SRC switch. The follow-

ing parameters are available for contour shaping:

ATTACK

adjusts the rising time from 0ms to 10s (maximum level).

DECAY/RELEASE

adjusts the decay time for the sound between 0ms to 15s.

SENSE

SENSE controls the sensitivity for the trigger source. SENSE will be inac-

tive with GATE being selected as trigger source.

TRIG SRC

TRIG SRC sets the trigger source:

INPUT the audio input

GATE a 5 volts gate voltage applied to the TRIGGER IN input.

AUDIO audio signal fed into TRIGGER IN.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 17 -

Envelope Follower (EF)

The envelope-follower converts the amplitude characteristic of the audio

input signal into a control voltage. Most audio signals do not show clear

levels and -jumps as pure control voltages. This results in the envelope-

follower being less e!ective compared to a regular envelope. In most cases,

it is therefore necessary to increase the VCF modulation intensity to achieve

a comparable e!ect depth.

Pedal/CV-Input

This input allows connecting a suited pedal or an analogue control voltage

to control the CUTOFF frequency. MOD SRC has to be switched to CV when

using this input.

PEDAL

The PEDAL input allows connecting expression pedals with a TS-

connector. In addition, volume pedals with in- and output can be

connected using Y-cables. Use an expression pedal with a resistance of

100 kΩ to ensure smooth control scaling.

tip

ring

volume pedal input

volume pedal output

Picture 10: Connecting a Volume Pedal

Analogue control voltages ranging from 0-5 volts can be connected to

the PEDAL/CV input. This allows Retroverb Lancet to be controlled from

external CV-sources such as step-sequencers, key-CV of analogue syn-

thesizers, LFOs with special functions as well as Theremin antennas.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 18 -

Further Control Elements

OVERKILL

Connects Retroverb Lancet to the AC-power-supply-unit. A green LED

shows an active powered unit.

ATTENTION The OVERKILL switch is no power switch. It simply

removes the connection to the power supply. Please do

always disconnect the PSU from the socket when not

using the unit for a longer period!

REV. LEVEL

This controller allows to adjust the reverb level. Turning it counterclock-

wise will decrease the reverb signal while turning clockwise ampliﬁes the

signal.

The reverb level is already set to a useful value and readjusting won't be

necessary in most cases.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 19 -

Connectors

Find a short description of the connectors on Retroverb Lancet’s rear panel:

12 VAC

Connect the supplied AC power supply here.

INPUT

Input jack for the audio signal.

PEDAL/CV

Allows connecting a CV-source or a pedal to control the CUTOFF-

frequency.

CRASH

Allows connecting a gate signal to trigger the CRASH function.

TRIGGER IN

Allows connecting audio or gate signals to trigger the envelope-

generator.

BYPASS

Allows connecting a single or double BYPASS footswitch pedal.

OUTPUT

Carries the output signal of Retroverb Lancet to be connected to a mix-

ing console, an audio-interface or an ampliﬁer.

Owner's Manual VERMONA Retroverb Lancet

- 20 -

Page is loading ...

Vermona Retroverb Lancet Owner's manual

Brand: Vermona

Model: Retroverb Lancet

Type: Owner's manual

Here are some possible use cases for the Vermona Retroverb Lancet:

Download PDF

report

Vermona Retroverb Lancet Owner's manual

Vermona Retroverb Lancet Owner's manual

Related papers

Other documents